By Christine Garcia
On Tuesday, Mar. 19, Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) competed against Gahr High School (GHS). The Barons took the win, with a score of 20-1. The gymnasium was filled with anticipation as loud cracks of the birdie and the racket making contact filled the air.
The Barons won all events: mixed, girls’ singles, boys’ singles, girls’ doubles and boys’ doubles.
Mixed:
FV 1: Senior Sophie Ho and junior Jayden Chung vs opponent 1 (21-5) (21-5)
FV 1: Ho and Chung vs opponent 2 (21-7) (21-4)
FV 2: Junior Ashley Chu and freshman Ethan Thai vs opponent 1 (21-3) (21-4)
FV 2: Chu and Thai vs opponent 2 (21-3) (21-7)
FV 3: Sophomore Lynna Tran and junior Raymond Trinh vs opponent 3 (21-6) (21-6)
The game started strong with mixed doubles dominating the GHS team, continuing the heated game. Ho and Chung were victorious against GHS, with a score of 21-5 in the first round and 21-5 in the second. Chu and Thai scored as well, registering scores of 21-3 and 21-7.
“I think all our players are doing well,” said Trinh.
“I think our improvements would be consistent on our serves because we lose a lot of our points even our best players lose points.”
Girls’ Singles:
FV 1: Tran vs opponent 1 (21-12) (21-17)
FV 1: Tran vs opponent 1 (21-12) (21-8)
FV 2: Sophomore Trang Le vs opponent 1 (21-13) (21-8)
FV 2: Le vs opponent 1 (21-7) (21-12)
The Barons maintained a high level of consistency throughout the game, and played hard. Tran and Le exhibited skillful mastery throughout, and fought their opponents far the birdie. Under pressure, both players emerged victorious, while thinking strategically for net kills and drives.
Boy’s Singles:
FV 1: Thai vs opponent 1 (21-8) (21-7)
FV 1: Thai vs opponent 2 (21-4) (21-0)
FV 2: Chung vs opponent 1 (21-5) (21-4)
FV 2: Chung vs opponent 2 (21-2) (21-4)
Thai made the crowd go wild as he smashed the birdie, bewildering his opponents.
“I think our most proudest moments are definitely when our number one player Ethan Thai getting 21-0,” said Trinh.
Girls’ Doubles
FV 1: Ho and Chu vs opponent 1 (21-4) (21-38)
FV 1: Ho and Chu vs opponent 2 (21-5) (21-1)
FV 2: Rayne and Chloe vs opponent 1 (21-17) (21-11)
FV 2: Rayne and Chloe vs opponent 2 (21-19) (15-21) (16-21)
Despite the Barons’ constant persistence, the badminton team lost a game in the girls’ doubles. In the beginning, Fountain Valley was initially ahead of the game. However, after some time, they hit the net or went long. GHS returned precise returns, giving them an advantage over the Barons.
“I think that my team’s performance is really good. Like everyone played very well and they tried their hardest,” Ho said.
Boys’ Doubles:
FV 1: Trinh and sophomore Trevor Phoung vs opponent 1 (21-9) (21-5)
FV 1: Trin and Trevor vs opponent 2 (21-11) (21-7)
FV 2: Sophomore Athrava Rao and senior Andrew Hoang vs opponent 1 (21-3) (21-7)
FV 2: Athrava Rao and Andrew Hoang vs opponent 1 (21-7) (21-11)
Boys’ doubles finished off the tournament against GHS, with Trinh and Phoung scoring 21-9 and 21-5. Then, Athrava ended GHS effectively with 21-3 and 21-7.
The reason behind their success is none other than their unofficial coach, Remi. After the spot for badminton coach became vacant, Remi stepped up to help her team, as she once played badminton at FVHS. In the process, she guided the team through hardships and summer camp with the help of captains Trinh and Ho.
“I can say it’s been a little of a rocky journey, but I’m actually really proud of them. Like especially when I’ve seen them in summer camp,” Remi said.
As for future games, Remi hopes to uplift her students to try their hardest.
“I’m genuinely everything but I think my biggest thing has to be their mindset. I want them to just be able to play and have fun,” Remi said.
The Barons will play again on Thursday, Mar. 29.
